Lakes Region Community College (LRCC) hosted the 2023 Toyota-T-TEN National Instructors Conference, a significant event in the automotive education world. Traditionally held at the Toyota Headquarters in Texas, this year, LRCC had the honor of being the host, attracting nearly 100 Toyota T-TEN instructors from technical schools and colleges across the country
“The Toyota-T-TEN National Instructors Conference at Lakes Region Community College was an extraordinary success,” said Jamie Decato, department chair of Transportation Technology at LRCC. “The Lakes Region proved to be a fitting host, providing the perfect setting and facilities to unite educators from all corners of the nation. It was a celebration of passion, expertise, and innovation that is sure to resonate throughout the automotive educational community.”
Over three days, attendees were treated to a mix of intense training, informative instruction, and social gatherings. The event brought educators, industry professionals, and lifelong learners, all dedicated to advancing automotive education and pushing the boundaries of innovation in the field.
The conference kicked off with a general session by Toyota North America, where attendees gained valuable insights into the latest advancements in the automotive industry. The session not only inspired participants but also reminded them of the significant impact their work has on shaping the future of the automotive landscape.
One of the standout moments was the awards ceremony, where two instructors from each region were recognized for their exceptional contributions to the Toyota T-TEN program by their peers. For the New England District, LRCC’s very own Kimberly Stevenson was recognized for her outstanding work in supporting the mission of T-TEN and giving back to her community.
Throughout the conference, attendees were involved in breakout sessions tailored to their diverse interests and aspirations. Topics ranged from recruitment strategies to Automotive Service Excellence Education Foundation (ASEEF) Evaluation Team Lead (ETL) training and A-TECH specialized electrical training.
An enlightening segment of the conference was the competency-based instruction provided to new instructors. This approach to learning empowers educators to customize their teaching methods to meet the unique needs of their students, fostering an environment of inclusivity and improved learning outcomes.
As the conference ended, attendees departed with a renewed sense of purpose, invigorated by the knowledge that they are part of a community striving for excellence in automotive education. For more information on the automotive programs at Lakes Region Community College, visit: LRCC.edu
